MEP Peter Agius leads EU talks on fair competition and product safety

Maltese Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Peter Agius has been appointed as the lead negotiator for the European People’s Party (EPP) in discussions on the New Legislative Framework, the European Union’s primary instrument for regulating product safety, market surveillance, and standardisation across the Single Market.

The legislative review, currently under negotiation in the European Parliament, is set to play a key role in shaping how products are monitored and regulated within the EU, including enforcement powers granted to national authorities such as Malta’s MCCAA.

“This legislative file will shape how products across the Single Market are regulated, ensuring that national authorities are empowered to uphold safety and compliance,” Dr Agius wrote.

He is calling for a streamlined framework that balances consumer protection with reduced bureaucracy for businesses, especially small and family-run enterprises, which make up the backbone of Malta’s and Europe’s economies.

“I will be pushing for a Europe with less bureaucracy for business and more safety for consumers while opening up opportunities for European businesses, in particular small and family businesses,” he said.

From a Maltese perspective, a reformed framework could mean better support for SMEs operating in or exporting to other EU Member States, and potentially stronger safeguards against unfair trade practices from non-EU competitors.

“The EU Single Market must offer a level playing field. A well-functioning Single Market is key to delivering safer products, stronger innovation, and better-quality employment for European citizens,” Dr Agius added.